Santa Fe Thunder

Kipkalwa students and the current Kipkalwa School, half a century old!

Following independence in 1963, Kenyans eagerly anticipated advances in economic development, standard of living and education. But being a large and predominantly rural country, change was slow to arrive in remote areas, such as the village of Matunget, located a mile and a half high above the Great Rift Valley in northwestern Kenya.

With the nearest primary school several miles away and no early childhood education, Margaret Kosgei did her best to teach her own 7 children and in 1967, made a decision and commitment that has touched thousands of lives over the ensuing half century. She led a Harambee to establish the Kipkalwa School, where she taught the young children of Matunget for 4 decades, instilling in them a love of learning and creating opportunities for a brighter future.

Daughter Emily Kosgei obtained her teaching credential and has carried on Margaret’s efforts for the past decade and son Abraham has long dreamed of another Harambee to establish a new school to further advance Margaret and Emily’s commitment to the children.

After the 7th running of Santa Fe Thunder in September, Abraham spent 3 weeks in Kenya advancing the Kipkalwa School Project. We are thrilled to share photos of his visit as well as the news that thanks to a generous donation this week by the owner of the Global Wildlife Center in Folsom, Louisiana, the Kipkalwa School Project has raised $18,000 toward our $30,000 fundraising goal!

We are working hard to reach our goal by the end of this year, which will enable Global Running Culture to carry out construction of the new school this coming spring. An African proverb says it takes a whole village to raise a child. Thanks to Abraham and Global Running Culture’s efforts, the village of Matunget’s support of the next generation has expanded to include friends from around the world.

We invite you to join Global Running Culture’s all-volunteer effort by making a 100% tax-deductible donation to the Kipkalwa School Project. Donations of any amount will help raise the school, and with it, more opportunities for learning.

Click here to learn more about Global Running Culture’s mission to better the lives of youth through the powers of sport and education in 3 primarily indigenous communities where running is a vital part of the culture: Matunget, Kenya, northern New Mexico, and Copper Canyon, Mexico.

First task – hauling a load of sand to Global Running Culture’s land perched on the edge of the Great Rift Valley

Abraham has been looking forward to driving Big Blue for the past year!

Two weeks after Santa Fe Thunder, Abraham flew to Nairobi and launched the next phase of the Kipkalwa School Project. After spending a few days with his mom, Margaret, Abraham drove Big Blue and Big Trailer from Eldoret to Matunget, a distance of some 70K. On the way, he stopped at the place where you get sand and loaded up.

I haven’t yet learned where the trailer tire went flat. Abraham reported that he didn’t have a tool kit, but fortunately the guy who built the trailer was willing to drive out there with the right tools and before too long, Abraham and Big Blue resumed their journey. Fortunately, as I learned on our last trip, cell phone coverage in the Great Rift Valley these days is far superior to places like Santa Fe.

Obstacles and resistance are the coin of the realm in our business. We are working both at home and far away and are accustomed to heavy lifting and exertion. Bumps in the road are overcome, calm is maintained, and the pace is maintained over time. It is no surprise that distance runners are the type to get things done.

We agreed that sand weighs a lot and that taking it easy on the equipment is the way to go. After all, Big Blue can make a few trips if necessary. Abraham’s efforts to stockpile the materials will help Uncle Ismael continue with the work that has now begun, preparing for our return visit next spring to construct the school.

Big Blue and Big Trailer get things done

Uncle Ishmael

Abraham’s Uncle Ishmael is the local Project Manager. We spent an afternoon together during the first GRC trip to Kenya. Soon after, Ishmael retired from his position as Director of Cultural Resources for Elgeyo-Marawket County.

Uncle Ishmael proposed to provide us with a letter authorizing transport of our kudu horn, ceremonial cape and monkey hat from Kenya to New Mexico in furtherance of educational and cultural exchange. He was to meet us with the letter at the Kenyan National XC Championships at Uhuru Gardens in Nairobi. Before the races began, someone approached me and gave me a letter along with the explanation that Ishmael couldn’t make it but wished us well. As Tim Gunn says “make it work!”

We are thankful to be on our journey and to share it with friends who are supporting Global Running Culture’s efforts to better the lives of youth through the powers of sport and education. Big Blue’s 72 horsepower is energizing the community. The Harambee for building the school will be the biggest local event since Margaret held her own in 1967 to establish the Kipkalwa School. We follow in the footsteps of amazing leaders and are honored to contribute to the life-changing work that Margaret, and her daughter/current teacher Emily, have done.

We invite you to join us and find out what comes next. It is never easy, but we are committed to our journey, and enjoying every step of the way.

Thanks to all who made the 7th running of Santa Fe Thunder possible! On a cool and sunny late summer morning, over 1,100 runners from 35 states and 6 countries gathered for a mobile Fiesta down the Old Taos Highway finishing at the Buffalo Thunder Resort & Casino. Boniface Kongin, from Kenya and Albuquerque, won the Half Marathon with a blazing time of 1:03:11, out kicking 4 competitors over the final mile. Simegn Abnet Yeshanbelm, from Ethiopia and Albuquerque, bested her second place finish in 2015 to capture first place in the Women’s Division in 1:12:27. 18 year old Randy Gachupin, from Jemez Pueblo, won the Lightning 5K in 21:25 and Jaima Chevalier, from Santa Fe, won the Lightning 5K Women’s division in 21:33, just 6 seconds back from Randy. Race results are available online and as Global Running Culture’s parting gift, check out the free high resolution downloadable race photos!

Kipkawla School founder Ms. Margaret & her sister Tacy

Your participation in Santa Fe Thunder enables non-profit Global Running Culture to carry out its mission. GRC has been working since 2010 to build on the half century legacy established by Abraham’s mom, Margaret, by constructing a new Kipkalwa School in Matunget. We planned to travel to Kenya this fall to carry out the construction on the land GRC owns on the edge of the Great Rift Valley. However, due to the current uncertainty relating to the Kenyan Presidential election, we have decided to postpone construction until Spring 2018.

For the first time, we are opening registration for 2018 before the new year. To celebrate, we invite you to register for next year’s edition of The Race Different, which will be held on Sunday, September 16, 2018, now with a SUPER early-bird entry fee of $50 for the Half Marathon and $25 for the Lightning 5K. Entry includes an official Race T-shirt, custom-designed finisher’s medal, free downloadable professionally-taken race photos, and a unique race in a most special place. The super early-bird prices will be available until midnight, Friday October 15. Enter here and treat yourself to a weekend of culture, wellness, and fun next September!

We want you to have a great experience at Santa Fe Thunder, so here are some tips and insights into what you might expect, so you can be thoroughly prepared!

Mid September in Santa Fe is typically dry, with mornings in the mid-40’s and daytime highs in the low 70’s. It is usually clear, with little wind.

Half marathoners can bring their sweats on the bus. Bring your Sport Systems bag to the starting line and tear off the sweats bag tag from your bib, attach it to your bag, and leave it with the starting line volunteers. Your bag will be waiting for you at the finish.

5k runners can drop their tagged bags at the starting/finish line at Buffalo Thunder.

All events start at 7:30 AM and, especially if it is clear out or if there is a breeze, the cold can be piercing. Likewise, the sun can be intense as the morning passes. There are aid stations every 2 miles with water and Gnarly Hydrate sports drink – be sure to hydrate! We will not have energy bars at the aid stations this year, so if you plan to eat on the run, please plan ahead and bring your calories with you.

It’s all downhill from here!

Santa Fe is nestled at the foot of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains at an elevation of 7,000 feet. The air is ‘thin’ and humidity typically low. Dehydration is the primary threat, which exacerbates the lack of oxygen. You should be aware of your fluid intake the week before Race day and make sure you stay well hydrated once you arrive. Effective sunscreen is very important as well, as the later miles are open with no tree cover.

Fortunately for those coming up from lower elevations, the finish line at Buffalo Thunder is at 6,000’. You won’t have to worry about starting too fast, as the first 2.5 miles climb about 300 feet. As you cross Highway 285 on the Paz Bridge in the vicinity of the beautiful outdoor Santa Fe Opera you will reach the high point of the course, about 7,300’ – almost a mile and a half high! Soon an expansive panorama will open up before you – the 10,000 foot high Jemez Mountains to your left, the red rock Rio Grande Valley below, and the 13,000-foot Sangre de Cristo Mountains to the east. Your path ahead drops gradually but steadily past the famous Tesuque Village Market, through the Tesuque Pueblo, and all the way to Buffalo Thunder!

The steady drop can take its toll on your quads in the later miles, especially if you are dehydrated. Preparation will help! If you can, find a course where you can run downhill toward the end of your run, which will help prepare your muscles and joints for the course. Also, we are working to have masseuses at the finish line to work out any soreness you might experience.

There will be water, popsicles and bananas waiting for you at the finish line, along with your finisher’s medal designed by Bernice Gachupin of Jemez Pueblo – and perhaps an age group medal handmade by the Gachupin family (who made 150 medals for the half marathon AND Lightning 5K age group award winners!) Breakfast items and beverages will be available inside the Casino at the Turquoise Trail, where the awards ceremony and live entertainment will take place.

Until Sunday, smooth runnings!

The GRC team

By participating in Santa Fe Thunder, you are helping 100% volunteer non-profit Global Running Culture carry out our mission of bettering the lives of youth through the powers of sport and education in three communities where running is a vital part of the culture: northern New Mexico, the village of Matunget, Kenya, and Copper Canyon, Mexico.

Global Running Culture is preparing to build a school in co-founder Abraham Kosgei’s village of Matunget, Kenya, the culmination of a decade of sustained effort, including shipping our 72 HP tractor “Big Blue” to Kenya. Big Blue will be used to build the school and then power a farming business that will lift the village economy while providing operating income for the Kipkalwa School, founded by Abraham’s mom Margaret in 1967. To find out more, go to www.globalrunningculture.org.

Mr. Keino had expected to complete his duties with the IOC in August, but has been invited to attend the session in Lima, Peru, which runs from September 10-20. Fortunately, thanks to the IOC’s efforts and adjustment of his travel schedule, Mr. Keino is scheduled to arrive on September 15, in time for the Gathering and Race day! Global Running Culture is grateful to the IOC for its consideration.

Kip Keino 1500m Mexico City Olympics 1968 final

Buffalo Thunder’s acclaimed chefs will prepare a traditional pre-race buffet featuring delicious pasta, with meat or vegetarian red sauce, fresh salad, warm bread and non-alcohol beverages. Race Announcer Mark Bravo, America’s Running Community Ambassador, will emcee the evening, recognizing our special guests, including a delegation of champion Tarahumaran ultra marathoners and artists from Copper Canyon, Mexico, a presentation by Race Director Joseph Karnes about Global Running Culture’s projects, and the keynote address by Mr. Keino, the first recipient of the Olympic Laurel by the International Olympic Committee.

From the start, Global Running Culture and Santa Fe Thunder have brought cultures together. Abraham created our organization’s name after moving from Kenya, working at the Pueblo of Pojoaque and realizing the many similarities between the way of life in the Pueblos of northern New Mexico, and his village of Matunget. Running is an activity that all cultures share and provides a rapid way (no pun intended) of getting to know one another.

In addition to runners from around the country, the race brings together world-class runners from all over the world: Kenya, Ethiopia, and Tarahumara ultra marathoners from Copper Canyon, Mexico, to name a few. This year’s guest of honor is Kip Keino, father of Kenyan distance running, two-time Olympic Gold Medalist, and renowned humanitarian.

Without Reservations

We are excited to announce that this year’s Official Race T-shirts will be designed by Ricardo Cate, creator of the Without Reservations comic strip, teacher, and champion half marathoner. Without Reservations features Ricardo’s humor and perspective on issues and matters of the day and has generated international acclaim. Ricardo is preparing for performances in Europe and Japan this fall, and a book of his cartoons has been published.

Ricardo developed his love for distance running while attending boarding school in southern Colorado. Running provided an opportunity to get to know other students and his success opened doors for him, including the opportunity to attend the University of Nebraska. In one of life’s turns, responsibilities at home required him to miss that opportunity. Ricardo met Billy Mills, and soon after enlisted in the Marines. Since serving his country with honor, Ricardo has continued in service as a teacher, involvement in the Pueblo of Santo Domingo government, and in ensuring that the traditions of his Kewa people live on and are properly conducted.

Abraham, Ricardo, (Billy Mills) and Joseph

We are so excited to collaborate with Ricardo, and look forward to sharing his design!

Big Blue’s formal arrival in Matunget is about to happen. To travel on public roads, registration and a license plate are necessary and particularly given Matunget’s remote location, that takes time. The Committee made the most of it by conducting a wheels-up inspection of Big Blue including disassembly of the engine and other major components to assess functionality, necessary maintenance and any repairs that are due or might be needed soon.

Big Blue with a yellow bumper!

The Committee also concluded that the trailer hitch was not strong enough for the heavy duty trailer custom manufactured by Mantrack Bodywork, located out west toward Eldoret, and that a pipe steel upgrade was called for. Another photo arrived without explanation – the yellow I-beam and pipe radiator protector. I have yet to understand completely how it will be utilized. When I brought it up, Abraham pivoted to talking about how there needs to be more weights added for Big Blue to be properly balanced with The Trailer, implying that the Committee has it all figured out and is taking care of it. I recognize and appreciate that they are on point for this end of the project.

The Committee is investing in the Kipkalwa School project and is preparing to involve the community of Matunget along with others throughout Kenya in the upcoming Harambee. As Abraham says, Big Blue is a game changer. The amount of work a 72 hp tractor, a 15 cubic yard heavy duty trailer and farming implements will be able to accomplish is something that we look forward to appreciating and celebrating. Paying outsiders high prices to rent a tractor and driver – who might be late and might be called away at any time, especially during the busy season, has been a way of life in Matunget since heavy machinery first arrived in the area not all that long ago. While spotting a passing tractor is not uncommon, there has never been a single tractor based in Matunget. As a result, productivity of the land and acreage farmed per capita have historically been relatively low. There is much upside potential in this lush high altitude land, bathed in the mists rising from the Great Rift Valley, thousands of feet below to the east.

Big Blue will enable family farmers to improve and enlarge their ability to till the land and to transport their products and cattle to market, resulting in higher prices by turning the tide and cutting out the middlemen who pass through occasionally with large trucks, paying low prices – and maybe not coming at the right time. Big Blue will pull The Heavy Duty Trailer the 20k to Iten, where the road drops into the Great Rift Valley, traveling up to Kabarnet (home of 5-time World XC Champion Paul Tergat), Lake Baringo, Lake Bogoria, Nakuru and ultimately Nairobi. Transporting larger harvests to Iten will generate greater profits for Matunget families, and will generate operating income for the Kipkalwa School, including the critical hot meal program, and will provide funding for school resources and improvements, including solar-powered computers, a library, and a community center.

A Community Leader Addressing the Committee

The Committee has completed its maintenance and repairs, the bumper has been painted and at last the license plate and registration have arrived! We look forward to news of Big Blue’s arrival in Matunget and a photo in front of the half-century old Kipkalwa School building, just down the road from the 4 acres of land that Global Running Culture purchased in 2014 for the new Kipkalwa School building, campus and garden.

Licensed by the Federal Government to drive on public roads!

Stay tuned to the Thunder Blog for news about preparations for the 7th running of Santa Fe Thunder, including the attendance of Kip Keino, the father of Kenyan distance running and tips for making the most of your experience participating in The Race Different! We will also provide regular updates about Big Blue and preparations for the Kipkalwa School Harambee this fall!

Until then –

Smooth running,

Joseph Karnes
Race Director

The Kipkalwa School Project is one of Global Running Culture’s long-term projects designed to better the lives of youth through the powers of sport and education in 3 primarily indigenous communities where running is a vital part of the culture: Matunget, Kenya, northern New Mexico, and the village of Cusarare, Copper Canyon, Mexico.

After finally escaping the Port of Houston in the 40-foot shipping container (and future 320 SF storage building) GRC bought, along with farming equipment and as much stuff for the kids as we could fit in the container, the shipment was waylaid in the UAE Port of Khor al Fakkan for 3 weeks. A friend asked why was it delayed? I responded “I’ll call the Fakkan Portmaster and find out.”

Finally arriving in Mombasa a week after Abraham returned home, Abraham’s brother David, a key member of the Committee, made the long journey and got the container cleared, not without complications. The container finally departed Mombasa aboard a flatbed semi, through Nairobi and up to the top of the Great Rift Valley, 7,500’ above sea level and just north of the equator.

Big Blue was scheduled to arrive during Abraham’s 3-weeks in Kenya, before the end of the dry season. Due to the Fakkan delay, as the truck reached Eldoret, ascended to Iten and then turned right onto the red clay road to Matunget, the skies cut loose. Rainy season arrived and turned the endangered Torok River from a trickle into a raging torrent less than 5K from Matunget!

After its 10,000 mile journey around the world, the container was ultimately dropped off on the far side of the River, where it will wait until dry season to be hauled the last 5K to GRC’s 4 acres of land, perched on the edge of the Rift.

Getting news of Big Blue is a bit like telephone using mobile phones and What’s App across oceans with operators possessing varying degrees of English and tech abilities (and autocorrect doesn’t help things). Several days after arrival, Abraham reported news of “leaking oil” and the need for “new gaskets” and a clutch plate. A day or two later, the following photos arrived, without explanation. I was not able to reach Abraham for another 2 days and had plenty of time to ponder the situation. It didn’t take long to attain comfort with the idea that I have full confidence in the Committee. They are taking on tasks unprecedented in the history of Matunget. Find out how the major tune-up went and the involvement of Kenyan bureaucracy in the next Thunder Blog!

The Kipkalwa School Project is one of Global Running Culture’s long-term projects designed to better the lives of youth through the powers of sport and education in 3 primarily indigenous communities where running is a vital part of the culture: Matunget, Kenya, northern New Mexico and the village of Cusarare, Copper Canyon, Mexico.

Kipchoge ‘Kip’ Keino leads the Olympic 10,000M final. With one kilometer to go, suffering from intense abdominal pain, he collapses to the infield. Despite being disqualified, Kip refuses to concede and finishes the race. Diagnosed with a gallbladder infection, doctors advise Kip to cease competing, warning that he risks permanent injury or even death. Declining the doctors’ advice, two days later, Kip wins the Silver medal in the 5,000M run, missing Gold by less than a quarter second.

Still suffering from the infection, Kip qualifies for the 1,500M final, considers withdrawing and sleeps in on race day. Deciding to run at the last minute, his taxi is caught in Mexico City traffic and Kip jumps out and runs the last two miles to the 7,200’ elevation Olympic stadium, arriving just in time to be checked in. Facing a strong field including World Record holder, Jim Ryun, who completes the first lap near the rear of the field, Kip takes the lead from fellow Kenyan Ben Jipcho and goes through the half mile in a blazing 1:55.3. Heading into the third lap, Keino drops the field, completing 3 laps in 2:53.4. Kip dominates the final lap, maintaining his powerful stride for Olympic Gold, setting an Olympic Record of 3:34.91!

Kip’s performance electrified his newly independent nation and led the way for countless young runners to pursue their dreams, transforming Kenya into the strongest distance running nation on Earth. Global Running Culture is thrilled to announce that Mr. Keino will travel from Kenya to Santa Fe and will be this years guest of honor!

Abraham Kosgei and I had the good fortune to meet Kip at the 2013 Kenyan National Cross Country Championships at Uluru Gardens in Nairobi and to enjoy a long conversation about running, life and our mutual passion for helping children. Mr. Keino described his dedication to Kenyan youth, establishing the Baraka Farm orphanage and school to provide children in need with the opportunity to make the most of their lives. Kip’s story reaffirms the value of Global Running Culture’s efforts to better the lives of youth through the powers of sport and education in 3 communities where running is a vital part of the indigenous culture: northern New Mexico, Abraham’s village of Matunget, Kenya, and the village of Cusarare, Copper Canyon, Mexico (a group of Tarahumara ultra marathon champions and artisans participate in Santa Fe Thunder each year!)

We invite you to join our multi-cultural celebration of wellness by participating in the 7th running of Santa Fe Thunder and to take advantage of the a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to meet a living legend. Kip will speak at the pre-race Gathering of Messengers dinner and will attend the Global Footprints Youth Run and Global Running Festival on Saturday, September 16. On race day, he is scheduled to serve as the official Half Marathon starter and to sign autographs and pose for photos at the finish line Harambee Fiesta.

For those desiring a shorter challenge, the Lightning 5K and 1-Mile Fitness Walk will start at Buffalo Thunder at the same time as the half marathon, follow a beautiful off road course (on a paved trail) and end at the same finish line, allowing participants to cheer the half marathoners completing their event (including the world class runners competing for over $5,000 in prize money) and to enjoy the post-race Harambee Fiesta!

Stay tuned for more details, including reserving your opportunity to have your photo taken with Kip and to obtain an autographed photo! Also the opportunity to purchase Gathering of the Messengers pre-race dinner tickets, featuring a keynote talk by Mr. Keino, will be announced soon. If you would like to reserve your seats now, send an email to info@santafethunder.com. Attendance is limited and the dinner at Buffalo Thunder Resort will sell out.

The Santa Fe Thunder early entry window closes on June 15. Save $10 off your half marathon entry by entering now! The discount will automatically be applied at check out. Also, to take advantage of official race hotel Buffalo Thunder Resort’s, special participant discount, call (505) 455-5555 and use the code THNDR. Buffalo Thunder will sell out quickly, so please don’t wait!

The opportunity to meet Kip Keino and spend a long weekend at Buffalo Thunder while enjoying all Santa Fe has to offer is a unique bucket list opportunity that will not happen again. Treat yourself to an unforgettable weekend and Run the Race Different!